Cold weather protection garment

ABSTRACT

A garment includes a scarf, a first muff, and a second muff. The scarf is configured to be wrapped around a person&#39;s neck in the traditional manner. Each of the muffs include a pocket for generally receiving one of the hands of the person wearing the garment. The garment preferably includes a coupler for maintaining an abutting relationship between the muffs. The garment can also include first and second ornamental extensions that are respectively connected to the first and second muffs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 10/881,504, filed Jun. 30, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatusdirected to a cold weather protection garment which generally includes ascarf with a muff, and a method of forming a muff at the end of a scarfby inserting the end of the scarf through a perforation located withinthe scarf.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,315 to Hoerlein discloses a combination of a scarfand hand puppets. The hand puppets are attached at each end of the scarfas shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the hand puppet is configured toreceive the user's fingers in a glove-like fashion. Similarly U.S. Pat.No. 4,559,647 to Smith et al. discloses a scarf having ends that can beconverted into mittens as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

U.S. Pat. No. 53,760 to Mahler discloses a muff that includes a cordattached thereto as shown in FIG. 1 for the purposes of “sustaining themuff.” The cord is provided to allow the muff to be hung from the user'sneck in a similar fashion as the muff that is currently available fromEverwood of Paris, France.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,870,448 to Rosenthal discloses a muffler configured tohave a vest-like appearance. The muffler includes a row of buttons toconnect the opposite sides of the muffler at the user's midsection, andpockets configured to retain articles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a garment for wearing by a person having a neckand a pair of hands including a scarf and a first muff. The scarf isdefined by a first axis, a first end and a second end which is oppositethe first end. The first muff is formed at the first end as a firstpocket configured to closely receive at least one of the pair of handsof the person. The first pocket has a first opening, a second openingand a second axis extending between the first opening and the secondopening which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the scarf preferably has a substantiallyuniform width which is selected to be at least as long as a hand of theperson as measured from the wrist when the hand is formed as a fist. Thefirst muff is preferably defined by a length measured along the secondaxis which is substantially equal to the width. The pocket is preferablysized to define a volume from about 150 to about 400 percent of a volumedefined by the fist of the person when the pocket is manipulated tosubstantially define a tubular shape for closely receiving the hand.

In an alternative embodiment, the pocket can be sized to closely receiveboth pair of hands of the person. Preferably, the width is selected tobe at least as long as a hand of the person as measured from the wrist.The first muff can be defined by a length measured along the second axiswhich is substantially equal to the width. The pocket is preferablysized to define a volumteric space from about 250 to about 400 percentof a percent of a volume defined by the hand measured from the wristwhen formed as a fist when the pocket is manipulated to substantiallydefine a tubular shape for closely receiving both pair of hands.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the scarf is definedby a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, asecond side, and a first axis. The first and second sides extend betweenthe first end and the second end with the second side beingsubstantially parallel to the first side. The first axis runs betweenthe first side and the second side. The first muff is formed at thefirst end as a pocket configured to closely receive at least one of thepair of hands of the person. The pocket has first and second openingsand a second axis. The first opening is associated with the first sideand the second opening is associated with the second side. The secondaxis extends between the first opening and the second opening and issubstantially perpendicular to the first axis.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the garment alsoincludes a second muff. The second muff is formed at the second end ofthe scarf as a second pocket configured to closely receive the otherhand of the person. The second pocket has third and fourth openings anda third axis. The third opening is associated with the first side andthe fourth opening is associated with the second side. The third axisextends between the third opening and the fourth opening and issubstantially perpendicular to the first axis.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the garment includes ascarf, a first muff-extension portion, and an attachment means. Thescarf is defined by a first end, a second end opposite the first end, afirst side, and a second side, and a first axis. The first and secondsides extend between the first end and the second end with the secondside being substantially parallel to the first side. The first axis runsbetween the first side and the second side. The first muff-extensionportion is defined by a third end, a fourth end, a third side and afourth side. The third end is attached to the first end and the fourthend is opposite the third end. The third and fourth sides extend betweenthe third end and the fourth end with the fourth side beingsubstantially parallel to the third side. The attachment means removablyfastens the fourth end to the first end of the scarf to form a pocketconfigured to closely receive at least one of the pair of hands of theperson. The attachment means can be a Velcro fastener, a button, or anysuitable means for removably fastening a garment. Preferably theattachment means includes a flap attached to the a fourth end of thefirst muff-extension and the third end is attached to the first end ofthe scarf to define a slot.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the garment includes ascarf, a first muff, a second muff and a coupler. The scarf is definedby a first end and a second end which is opposite the first end. Thefirst muff is formed at the first end as a first pocket configured toclosely receive at least one of the pair of hands of the person. Thefirst pocket has a first opening and a second opening. The second muffis formed at the second end as a second pocket configured to closelyreceive at least one of the pair of hands of the person. The secondpocket has a third opening a fourth opening. The coupler maintains anabutting relationship between one of the openings of the first muff andone of the openings of the second muff.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupler is includes first and secondribbons. The first ribbon is attached to the first muff and the secondribbon is attached to the second muff. The ribbons are configured to betied together. In alternative embodiments, the coupler can be a button,a Velcro fastener, a zipper, a pair of cooperating magnets or any othersuitable means for maintaining an abutting relationship between theopenings.

The present invention also includes a method of forming a muff at theend of a scarf. The method includes the steps of providing a garmenthaving a scarf and a first muff-extension portion. The scarf is definedby a first end and a second end which is opposite the first end. Thefirst muff-extension portion is defined by a third end attached to thefirst end of the scarf and a fourth end opposite the third end. Thefourth end is fastened to the first end to form a pocket configured toclosely receive at least one of the pair of hands of the person.Preferably the garment includes a flap attached to the fourth end andthe third end is attached to the first end of the scarf to define a slotso that the fastening can be performed by inserting the flap through theslot.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is madeto the following description to be taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings and its scope will be pointed out in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been chosen for purposes ofillustration and description and are shown in the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of theinvention as worn by a person;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view through the first muff of the firstembodiment of the invention taken along line 3A-3A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view through the second muff of the firstembodiment of the invention taken along line 3B-3B of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial plan view at the first and second muffs of a secondembodiment of the invention where the coupler is a velcro fastener;

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view at the first and second muffs of a thirdembodiment of the invention where the coupler includes a plurality ofmagnets;

FIG. 6 is a partial plan view at the first and second muffs of a fourthembodiment of the invention where the coupler includes a plurality oftraditional buttons;

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view at the first and second muffs of a fifthembodiment of the invention where the coupler includes a plurality ofsnap buttons;

FIG. 8 is a partial plan view at the first and second muffs of a sixthembodiment of the invention where the coupler is a zipper;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a seventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a eighth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a ninth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a tenth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an eleventh embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a twelfth embodiment of the invention; and.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a thirteenth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a garment 10 in accordance with thepresent invention includes a scarf 12, a first muff 14, and a secondmuff 16. The scarf 12 is configured to be wrapped around a person's neckin the traditional manner. Each of the muffs 14, 16 include a pocket forgenerally receiving one of the hands of the person wearing the garment10. The garment 10 preferably includes a coupler 18 for maintaining anabutting relationship between the muffs 14, 16. The garment 10 can alsoinclude first and second ornamental extensions 20, 22 that arerespectively connected to the first and second muffs 14, 16.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the garment 10 is shown in plan view toillustrate the scarf 12, the first and second muffs 14, 16, the coupler18, and the first and second ornamental extensions 20, 22. The scarf 12is defined by a first end 24, a second end 26 opposite the first end 24,a first side 28, a second side 30, and a first axis 32. The first andsecond sides 28, 30 extend between the first end 24 and the second end26. The second side 30 is preferably arranged to be substantiallyparallel to the first side 28 with the first axis 32 running between thefirst side 28 and the second side 30. The scarf 12 preferably has asubstantially uniform width, W, which is preferably selected to be atleast as long as a hand of the person as measured from the wrist whenthe hand is formed as a fist. The width, W, is generally defined by saidfirst side 28 and second side 30. The scarf 12 has a length, L,generally selected so that when the garment 10 is wrapped one or moretimes about the neck of the person the first and second muffs 14, 16will ride at about the waist of the person. Preferably the length willbe selected so that the muffs 14, 16 will be positioned slightly belowthe navel of the person.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, and 3A, the first muff 14 is formed at thefirst end 24 of the scarf 12 as a first pocket 34. The first pocket 34is generally configured to closely receive at least one of the pair ofhands of the person wearing the garment. The first pocket 34 has firstand second openings 36, 38 and a second axis 40. The first opening 36 isassociated with the first side 28 and the second opening 38 isassociated with the second side 30. The second axis 40 extends betweenthe first opening 36 and the second opening 38 and is preferablysubstantially perpendicular to the first axis 32. The first muff 14preferably has a length which is substantially equal to the width, W, ofthe scarf 12 as measured along the second axis 40.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, and 3B, the second muff 16 is formed at thesecond end 26 of the scarf 12 as a second pocket 42. The second pocket42 is generally configured to closely receive the other hand of theperson wearing the garment. The second pocket 42 has third and fourthopenings 44, 46 and a third axis 48. The third opening 44 is associatedwith the first side 28 and the fourth opening 46 is associated with thesecond side 30. The third axis 48 extends between the third opening 44and the fourth opening 46 and is preferably substantially perpendicularto the first axis 32. The second muff 16 preferably has a length whichis substantially equal to the width, W, of the scarf 12 as measuredalong the third axis 48.

In preferred embodiments, the first and second pockets 34, 42 areconfigured to closely receive a person's hand. The term “closelyreceive” excludes pockets that are tight fitting or as clingy as the fitwhich is normally associated with a glove. In particular, the pockets34, 42 are sized to define a volume that provides for a void air spacewhen the hand is inserted into the pocket 34, 42 to manipulate thepocket 34, 42 to define a substantially tubular shape. The size of thevolume is preferably from about 150 to about 400 percent of the spacedefined by the fist of the person measured from the wrist. In addition,,the width, W, is preferably selected to be at least as long as a hand ofthe person as measured from the wrist when formed as a fist. Further, inpreferred embodiments the pockets 34, 42 are provided with an elasticband 92 at the openings 36, 38, 44, 46 to partially close the respectiveopening 36, 38, 44, 46.

In an alternative embodiment, the pockets 34, 42 can be sized to closelyreceive both pair of hands of the person. In this case, the width, W, ispreferably selected to be at least as long as a hand of the person asmeasured from the wrist. The size of the volume is preferably from about250 to about 400 percent of the space defined by the fist of the personmeasured from the wrist.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4 through 8, preferred embodiments of thegarment 10 include a coupler 18 for maintaining an abutting relationshipbetween the first and second muffs 14, 16. The coupler 18 maintains anabutting relationship between one of the openings 36, 38 of the firstmuff 14 and one of the openings 44, 46 of the second muff 16. Referringnow to FIG. 2, in one embodiment of the invention the coupler 18includes a first ribbon 50 attached at the first muff 14 and secondribbon 52 attached at the second muff 16. The ribbons 50, 52 areconfigured to be tied together to maintain the abutting relationship.The garment 10 can be provided with a pair of narrow pockets located atthe ribbons 50, 52 for storing the ribbons 50, 52 when the personwearing the garment 10 does not wish to maintain the abuttingrelationship between the first and second muffs 14, 16. In anotherembodiment of the invention, a second set of ribbons or ties can beprovided at the bottom of the muffs 14, 16 to further supplement theabutting relationship.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first and secondornamental extensions 20, 22 can be configured to be connected toprovide the abutting relationship. In a preferred embodiment, a slot isprovided at each end of the scarf 12 to allow the first and secondornamental extensions 20, 22 to be inserted through prior to beingconnected.

The coupler 18 can generally include any suitable two part connector forfastening the first muff 14 to the second muff 16. The coupler 18 ispreferably provided at the perimeter of the first and third openings 36,44, and can be configured to fasten substantially the entire perimeter,a plurality of discrete portions of the perimeters, or only one discreteportion of the perimeters of the openings 36, 44. Suitable two partconnectors include a Velcro fastener 54, cooperating magnets 56,traditional buttons 58, cooperating snap buttons 60, or a zipper 61 asshown respectively in FIGS. 4 through 8. Other suitable two partconnectors include belt and buckle combinations as well as a clasp. Theembodiment that utilizes traditional buttons 58 can have each button 58configured to cooperate with either a traditional button hole (notshown) or a loop 59 as shown in FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 through 15, in other preferred embodiments ofthe invention, the garment 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 includes ascarf 12, a first muff-extension portion 62, a second muff-extensionportion 64, an attachment means 65 and a second attachment means 67. Thescarf 12 is defined by a first end 24, a second end 26 opposite thefirst end 24, a first side 28, and a second side 30, and a first axis32. The first and second sides 28, 30 extend between the first end 24and the second end 26 with the second side 30being substantiallyparallel to the first side 28. The first axis 32 runs between the firstside 28 and the second side 30.

The first muff-extension portion 62 is defined by a third end 66, afourth end 68, a third side 70 and a fourth side 71. The third end 66 isattached to the first end 24 and the fourth end 68 is opposite the thirdend 66. The third and fourth sides 70, 71 extend between the third end66 and the fourth end 68 with the fourth side 71 being substantiallyparallel to the third side 70.

The second muff-extension portion 64 is defined by a fifth end 72, asixth end 74, a fifth side 76 and a sixth side 78. The fifth end 72 isattached to the second end 26 and the sixth end 74 is opposite the fifthend 72. The fifth and sixth sides 76, 78 extend between the fifth end 72and the sixth end 74 with the sixth side 78 being substantially parallelto the fifth side 76.

The attachment means 65 removably fastens the fourth end 68 to the firstend 24 of the scarf 12 to form a first pocket configured to closelyreceive at least one of the pair of hands of the person. The secondattachment means 67 removably fastens the sixth end 74 to the second end26 of the scarf 12 to form a second pocket configured to closely receivethe other hand of the person. The attachment means 65, 67 can includeany suitable two part connector for removably fastening a fabric.Preferably, the garment 100, 200, 300, 400 includes a coupler 18 asdescribed above.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the attachment means 65, 67 can be in the formof a button and hole combination 80. Although the buttons are shownbeing positioned along the fourth and sixth ends 68, 74 while the holesare shown positioned along the first and second ends 24, 26, theselocations could be reversed.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the attachment means 65, 67 can be in the formof two part mechanical connector 81 configured to fasten discreteportions of the ends 66, 68, 72, 74 of the first and secondmuff-extension portions 62, 64. Suitable mechanical connectors 81include snap buttons and magnets. The attachment means 65, 67 can alsobe in the form of a Velcro fastener 82 as shown in FIG. 11.

Referring now to FIG. 12, in a preferred embodiment, the attachmentmeans 65 includes a flap 84 attached to the fourth end 68 of the firstmuff-extension 62 and the third end 66 is attached to the first end 24of the scarf 12 to define a slot 86. Similarly, the second attachmentmeans 67 includes a second flap 88 attached to the sixth end 74 of thesecond muff-extension 64 and the fifth end 72 is attached to the secondend 26 of the scarf 12 to define a second slot 90. In this embodiment ofthe invention, the pocket is formed by inserting the flap 84, 88 throughthe respective slot 86, 90. The slots 86, 90 can include an elastic bandabout their perimeter to help retain the respective flap 84, 88 afterinsertion.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 through 15, preferred embodiments that includethe flaps 84, 88 can include a coupler 18 for maintaining an abuttingrelationship between the pocket and the second pocket formed by thefirst and second muff extensions 62, 64 in a similar manner as discussedabove and illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 8. The coupler 18 maintains anabutting relationship between one of the sides 70, 71 of the pocket andone of the sides 76, 78 of the second pocket after the flaps 84, 88 havebeen inserted through their respective slot 86, 90. The coupler 18 canbe configured to removably fasten the flap 84 to the second flap 88 asshown in FIG. 13. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the coupler 18comprises a clasp 94 having a hook 96 and a bar 98 configured to beremovably connectable, but could include any suitable two part connectorfor removably fastening a fabric as discussed above. The coupler 18 canalso be configured to removably fasten the flap 84 to the second muffextension 64 and the second flap 88 to the muff extension 62 as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, thecoupler 18 comprises a traditional button 102 and button hole 104combination, but could include any suitable two part connector forremovably fastening a fabric as discussed above.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 15, preferred embodiments thatinclude the flaps 84, 88 can include a hole 106 formed through one orboth of the flaps 84, 88. In this embodiment of the invention, after thepockets are formed by inserting the flaps 84, 88 through the respectiveslot 86, 90, one of the flaps 84, 88 can be inserted through the hole106 in the other flap 84, 88 to maintain the abutting relationship. Inaddition, a two part mechanical connector 18 such as those describedabove can also be used to supplement the abutting relationship.Preferably the width of the flap 84, 88 is narrowed adjacent to thefourth and sixth ends 68, 74 to identify the extent of the first andsecond muff extensions 62, 64 for the user. The hole 106 can include anelastic band about is perimeter to help retain the respective flap 84,88 after insertion. In alternative embodiments, the ends 68, 74 can beidentified through the use of different fabric colors and textures.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 9 through 15, the garment 10, 100, 200, 300,400, 500, 600, 700 generally has at least a two ply construction asshown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The actual number of plies will vary dependingupon the ornamental design and fabrics selected for same. The two plyconstruction may either be provided through a tubular weave having noseams, folding a panel and having one seam, or by fastening two panelsand having two seams. The invention also contemplates that the separateelements of the invention—scarf, muff, muff-extensions—can be formed aspart of a continuous panel. In general, the garment will be constructedto provide the person wearing the garment protection from cold weather.The invention contemplates that both the scarf and muff elements will beconstructed from a variety of materials that when combined providewarmth and thermal insulation to the person.

Thus, while there have been described what are presently believed to bethe preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the artwill realize that changes and modifications may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention, and is intended to claim allsuch changes and modifications as fall within the true scope of theinvention.

1. A garment for wearing by a person having a neck and a pair of hands,said garment comprising: a scarf defined by a first axis, a first endand a second end which is opposite said first end; and a first muffformed at said first end as a first pocket configured to closely receiveat least one of the pair of hands of the person, said first pockethaving a first opening, a second opening and a second axis extendingbetween said first opening and said second opening and beingsubstantially perpendicular to said first axis.
 2. The garment asdefined by claim 1, wherein said scarf has a substantially uniformwidth.
 3. The garment as defined by claim 2, wherein said width isselected to be at least as long as a hand of the person as measured fromthe wrist when the hand is formed as a fist.
 4. The garment as definedby claim 3, wherein said first muff is further defined by a lengthmeasured along said second axis which is substantially equal to saidwidth.
 5. The garment as defined by claim 3, wherein said pocket issized to define a volume from about 150 to about 400 percent of a volumedefined by the fist of the person when said pocket is manipulated tosubstantially define a tubular shape for closely receiving the hand. 6.The garment as defined by claim 2, wherein said pocket is sized toclosely receive both pair of hands of the person.
 7. The garment asdefined by claim 4, wherein said width is selected to be at least aslong as a hand of the person as measured from the wrist.
 8. The garmentas defined by claim 5, wherein said first muff is further defined by alength measured along said second axis which is substantially equal tosaid width.
 9. The garment as defined by claim 5, wherein said pocket issized to define a volumteric space from about 250 to about 400 percentof a percent of a volume defined by the hand measured from the wristwhen formed as a fist when said pocket is manipulated to substantiallydefine a tubular shape for closely receiving both pair of hands.
 10. Agarment for wearing by a person having a neck and a pair of hands, saidgarment comprising: a scarf defined by: a first end; a second endopposite said first end; a first side extending between said first endand said second end; a second side extending between said first end andsaid second end and being substantially parallel to said first side; anda first axis running between said first side and said second side; and afirst muff formed at said first end as a pocket configured to closelyreceive at least one of the pair of hands of the person, said pockethaving: a first opening associated with said first side; a secondopening associated with said second side; and a second axis extendingbetween said first opening and said second opening and beingsubstantially perpendicular to said first axis.
 11. The garment asdefined by claim 10, wherein said scarf has a width defined by saidfirst side and second side which is selected in connection with the sizeof the pair of hands of the person.
 12. The garment as defined by claim1 1, wherein said width is selected to be at least as long as a hand ofthe person as measured from the wrist when the hand is formed as a fist.13. The garment as defined by claim 12, wherein said first muff isfurther defined by a length measured along said second axis which issubstantially equal to said width.
 14. The garment as defined by claim11, wherein said pocket is sized to define a volume from about 150 toabout 400 percent of a volume defined by the fist of the person whensaid pocket is manipulated to substantially define a tubular shape forclosely receiving the hand.
 15. The garment as defined by claim 11,wherein said pocket is sized to closely receive both pair of hands ofthe person.
 16. The garment as defined by claim 13, wherein said widthis selected to be at least as long as a hand of the person as measuredfrom the wrist.
 17. The garment as defined by claim 14, wherein saidfirst muff is further defined by a length measured along said secondaxis which is substantially equal to said width.
 18. The garment asdefined by claim 15, wherein said pocket is sized to define a volumtericspace from about 250 to about 400 percent of a percent of a volumedefined by the hand measured from the wrist when formed as a fist whensaid pocket is manipulated to substantially define a tubular shape forclosely receiving both pair of hands.
 19. A garment to be worn by aperson having a neck and a pair of hands, said garment comprising: ascarf defined by: a first end; a second end opposite said first end; afirst side extending between said first end and said second end; asecond side extending between said first end and said second end andbeing substantially parallel to said first side; and a first axisrunning between said first side and said second side; a first muffformed at said first end as a first pocket configured to closely receiveat least one of the pair of hands of the person, said first pockethaving: a first opening associated with said first side; a secondopening associated with said second side; and a second axis extendingbetween said first opening and said second opening and beingsubstantially perpendicular to said first axis; and a second muff formedat said second end as a second pocket configured to closely receive atleast one of the pair of hands of the person, said second pocket having:a third opening associated with said first side; a fourth openingassociated with said second side; and a third axis extending betweensaid third opening and said fourth opening and being substantiallyperpendicular to said first axis.
 20. The garment as defined by claim19, wherein said scarf has a width defined by said first side and secondside which is selected to be at least as long as a hand of the person asmeasured from the wrist when the hand is formed as a fist; said firstmuff is defined by a length measured along said second axis which issubstantially equal to said width; and said second muff is defined by asecond length measured along said third axis which is substantiallyequal to said width.
 21. A garment for wearing by a person having a neckand a pair of hands, said garment comprising: a scarf defined by: afirst end; a second end opposite said first end; a first side extendingbetween said first end and said second end; a second side extendingbetween said first end and said second end and being substantiallyparallel to said first side; and a first axis running between said firstside and said second side; a first muff-extension portion defined by: athird end attached to said first end of said scarf; a fourth endopposite said third end; a third side extending between said third endand said fourth end; and a fourth side extending between said third endand said fourth end and being substantially parallel to said third side;and an attachment means for removably fastening said fourth end to saidfirst end of said scarf to form a pocket configured to closely receiveat least one of the pair of hands of the person.
 22. The garment asdefined by claim 21, wherein said pocket has: a first opening associatedwith said first side; a second opening associated with said second side;and a second axis extending between said first opening and said secondopening and being substantially perpendicular to said first axis. 23.The garment as defined by claim 22, wherein said scarf has a widthdefined by said first side and second side which is selected inconnection with the size of the pair of hands of the person.
 24. Thegarment as defined by claim 23, wherein said width is selected to be atleast as long as a hand of the person as measured from the wrist whenthe hand is formed as a fist.
 25. The garment as defined by claim 24,wherein said first muff-extension is further defined by a lengthmeasured along said second axis which is substantially equal to saidwidth.
 26. The garment as defined by claim 23, wherein said pocket issized to closely receive both pair of hands of the person.
 27. Thegarment as defined by claim 26, wherein said width is selected to be atleast as long as a hand of the person as measured from the wrist. 28.The garment as defined by claim 26, wherein said first muff-extension isfurther defined by a length measured along said second axis which issubstantially equal to said width.
 29. The garment as defined by claim21, wherein said attachment means is a Velcro fastener.
 30. The garmentas defined by claim 21, wherein said attachment means includes a button.31. The garment as defined by claim 21, wherein said attachment meanscomprises a flap attached to said fourth end of said firstmuff-extension and said third end is attached to said first end of saidscarf to define a slot.
 32. A garment for wearing by a person having aneck and a pair of hands, said garment comprising: a scarf defined by: afirst end; a second end opposite said first end; a first side extendingbetween said first end and said second end; a second side extendingbetween said first end and said second end and being substantiallyparallel to said first side; and a first axis running between said firstside and said second side; a first muff-extension portion defined by: athird end attached to said first end of said scarf; a fourth endopposite said third end; a third side extending between said third endand said fourth end; and a fourth side extending between said third endand said fourth end and being substantially parallel to said third side;and a second muff-extension portion defined by: a fifth end attached tosaid second end of said scarf; a sixth end opposite said fifth end; afifth side extending between said fifth end and said sixth end; and asixth side extending between said fifth end and said sixth end and beingsubstantially parallel to said third side; an attachment means forremovably fastening said fourth end to said first end of said scarf toform a pocket configured to closely receive at least one of the pair ofhands of the person; and a second attachment means for removablyfastening said sixth end to said second end of said scarf to form asecond pocket configured to closely receive at least one of the pair ofhands of the person.
 33. The garment as defined by claim 32, furthercomprising a coupler for maintaining an abutting relationship between:one of said third side and said fourth side of said pocket; and one ofsaid fifth side and said sixth side of said second pocket.
 34. Thegarment as defined by claim 33, wherein: said attachment means comprisesa flap attached to said fourth end of said first muff-extension and saidthird end is attached to said first end of said scarf to define a slot;and said second attachment means comprises a second flap attached tosaid sixth end of said second muff-extension and said fifth end isattached to said second end of said scarf to define a second slot. 35.The garment as defined by claim 34, wherein said coupler is configuredto removably fasten said flap to said second flap.
 36. The garment asdefined by claim 35, wherein said coupler is a clasp.
 37. The garment asdefined by claim 34, wherein said coupler is configured to: removablyfasten said flap to said second muff extension; and removably fastensaid second flap to said muff extension.
 38. A garment to be worn by aperson having a neck and a pair of hands, said garment comprising: ascarf defined by a first end and a second end which is opposite saidfirst end; a first muff formed at said first end as a first pocketconfigured to closely receive at least one of the pair of hands of theperson, said first pocket having a first opening and a second opening; asecond muff formed at said second end as a second pocket configured toclosely receive at least one of the pair of hands of the person, saidsecond pocket having a third opening a fourth opening; and a coupler formaintaining an abutting relationship between: one of said first openingand said second opening of said first muff, and one of said thirdopening and said fourth opening of said second muff.
 39. The garment asdefined by claim 38, wherein said scarf has a substantially uniformwidth which is selected to be at least as long as a hand of the personas measured from the wrist when the hand is formed as a fist.
 40. Thegarment as defined by claim 38, wherein said coupler is includes: afirst ribbon attached to said first muff; and a second ribbon attachedto said second muff, wherein said first ribbon and said second ribbonare configured to be tied together.
 41. The garment as defined by claim38, wherein said coupler is a velcro fastener
 42. The garment as definedby claim 38, wherein said coupler is a button.
 43. The garment asdefined by claim 38, wherein said coupler is a zipper.
 44. The garmentas defined by claim 38, wherein said coupler is includes a pair ofmagnets.
 45. A garment to be worn by a person having a neck and a pairof hands, said garment comprising: a scarf defined by: a first end; asecond end opposite said first end; a first side extending between saidfirst end and said second end; a second side extending between saidfirst end and said second end and being substantially parallel to saidfirst side; and a first axis running between said first side and saidsecond side; a first muff formed at said first end as a first pocketconfigured to closely receive at least one of the pair of hands of theperson, said first pocket having: a first opening associated with saidfirst side; a second opening associated with said second side; and asecond axis extending between said first opening and said second openingand being substantially perpendicular to said first axis; a second muffformed at said second end as a second pocket configured to closelyreceive at least one of the pair of hands of the person, said secondpocket having: a third opening associated with said first side; a fourthopening associated with said second side; and a third axis extendingbetween said third opening and said fourth opening and beingsubstantially perpendicular to said first axis; and a coupler formaintaining an abutting relationship between: one of said first openingand said second opening of said first muff; and one of said thirdopening and said fourth opening of said second muff.
 46. The garment asdefined by claim 45, wherein said scarf has a width defined by saidfirst side and second side which is selected to be at least as long as ahand of the person as measured from the wrist when the hand is formed asa fist; and said first muff is defined by a length measured along saidsecond axis which is substantially equal to said width.
 47. The garmentas defined by claim 45, wherein said coupler is includes: a first ribbonattached to said first muff; and a second ribbon attached to said secondmuff, wherein said first ribbon and said second ribbon are configured tobe tied together.
 48. The garment as defined by claim 45, wherein saidcoupler is a velcro fastener
 49. The garment as defined by claim 45,wherein said coupler is a button.
 50. The garment as defined by claim45, wherein said coupler is a zipper.
 51. The garment as defined byclaim 45, wherein said coupler is includes a pair of magnets.
 52. Amethod of forming a muff at the end of a scarf for wearing by a personhaving a neck and a pair of hands, said method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a garment having: a scarf defined by a first end and asecond end which is opposite said first end; and a first muff-extensionportion defined by a third end attached to said first end of said scarfand a fourth end opposite said third end; (b) fastening said fourth endof said first muff-extension to said first end of said scarf to form apocket configured to closely receive at least one of the pair of handsof the person.
 53. The method of forming a muff at the end of a scarf asdefined by claim 52, wherein said garment includes a flap attached tosaid fourth end of said first muff-extension and said third end isattached to said first end of said scarf to define a slot; and step (b)is performed by inserting said flap through said slot.